Friday, July 3, 2009

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

This weekend, the United States celebrates the birth of our nation...

Like most of the monumental points in history, events that forever altered the course of things, we don't stop to consider that these magical moments were brought about by Human Beings. Not gods, but Human Beings. Those with vision to imagine what life could be. Should be. And set about to right wrongs. Settle old scores. Draft new dreams. Demand better for themselves and all others.

For the most part, these dreamers, these visionaries- were scared, nervous, unsettled, often uncertain. They had no road map to success. No specific course drafted to show the way. They charted unknown territory. They prayed. They trusted their intuition. They hoped. And they worried some more.

Despite the fear, they unstintingly toiled at it and at it until they manifested that vision into reality.

As we look back from a great distance, we have a tendency to think that it happened almost instantaneously. One day a great person had a wonderful thought, and mere days later, history was changed! Not so...

If you could go back and ask the three gentlemen, standing amongst of detritus of attempts, how things are progressing, Adams in the center would bark, "We will never get this resolved! If you would but let me bring this gaggle to order, I could have it finished by now! By God, I could make them all sign it and we could move on!!" On the left, Franklin would say, "We must be patient and use finesse. How we win depends on how well we maintain our ties- using our words and diplomacy. Rome wasn't built in a day!"

And, Jefferson, the stately man on the right, the one tasked to write the document would say in his very regal way, "I am grown weary of the continual changes to this document which are demanded by our esteemed colleagues. Each feels they must have their say, but at some point we must set aside our trepidation and fears. We must stop hiding behind minutia and commit to our goal. We must trust in God to have shown us the rightness of our actions. We must break with our past, move forward or, be held prisoner to the tyranny of fear."

Don't ask me how I know this. I just do. Maybe I was one of the men who kept convening in the hot little room in Philadelphia to hash it out and hope it could be resolved. Hope that a brave new world could be created before we were all hanged for sedition and treason.

The 4th of July is important for many reasons, but for me, it's a time to reflect on what great things can be accomplished when we dare to dream and set our actions in play to achieve it. It's a reminder that great things can take a very long time to manifest. It's a reminder of how wonderful life can be when frail Human Beings begin to understand their power and the truth of things. And begin to act accordingly.

July 4th is a day to consider the symbols that inspire us. And the things that are great and powerful about our nation. About what WE the people have and are blessed with living in the United States of America. It's also a time to take stock in our country and determine to re-dedicate ourselves as its citizens to making sure the dream continues as it was dreamed. And, wonder what we may be called to do in order to keep it moving in the right direction. Are we ready?

Independence Day is also an opportunity to thank those who have heard the call and responded with their willingness to serve. To protect and defend. Those brave ones, like Evan and Michael, who serve presently or have served. Go Air Force!

For all of us, in the warmth of the July sun, over drinks and food, fun and good times, it's a great day to stop and consider...what are your dreams? Do they frighten you a bit? Cause some of that wonderful internal fluttering? Who do you wish to be? What do you wish your life to be about? Do you have the courage to name it and claim it? Are you willing to declare your independence from a life that is not one of your crafting? Are you willing to declare your independence from the tyranny of fear? Are you willing to design your life through the pursuit of peace and Happiness?

I'll be asking myself these questions this Independence Day. Is this the year of your Independence Day? I wish you peace. I wish you a life designed fearlessly by you, for you. Happy 4th of July.

Holly, I love this post today ... I'm going back and adding a link to it at Simon Says and sharing the link through email with others. It is such a wonderful history lesson and reminder for all of us to remember the past but see ourselves able to design and make our futures what we want them to be ... acting by not being held back by the fear. Have a spectacular day with all of your loved ones! I'll eat a snow ball just for you!

I share the same sentiment you so eloquently wrote about. I have adopted your advice in an earlier blog to always keep moving as my daily mantra, and slowly the fear of reclaiming my life is dropping away. Thanks to this, I'm not as far from fearless as I once was, in staking my independence from depression. Please give my thanks to the one/ones in your circle of family and friends for serving our country. They have my utmost respect and gratitude.

Come on, move in next door! I thought you'd never ask! Let me know when you're coming, so I can tell my neighbors when they have to be out by. (maybe if I dress as Kali when I go over there, you can move in sooner, like this evening!)

Have a great holiday, you hilarious queen, you big dreamer, you independent wild woman!

Americans have got to be the most patriotic people. Which is good. We had Canada Day on the 1st....and yes, there were some celebrations at the Heritage Site for those who cared to go, mostly families with young children, but most of us just enjoyed a summer's day off work. Have a happy holiday!!

How wonderful...The Declaration of Independence, particularly the first paragraph is one of the most beautifully written documents I've ever read. Happy Independance Day!

And to Joyce, this Canadian watched a parade on Canada day and my eyes welled up with tears of gratitude. When the tanks and soldiers walked by I wept with gratitude that we only get to see them in a parade and that this great country has such peace and prosperity. I saw it every where I went. And I made sure my children knew why I was celebrating so much!

As always I totally agree. We personally had a reminder of the hardships and time and tenacity of all involved as we revisited the Charlie Brown Birth of America series yesterday. Loved the eagle and so admired the picture of Envan and Mike. The eagle has landed!

Ribbon:That is a great question! And, I suspect that they feel the exact same. However, I don't hear as much about that as I did in some years. Not sure why. I suspect it's a case of hearing more if you live in the states where the Native Americans have more of an active presence. Here in Western PA, that's just not a voice that is strongly represented. Sadly.

Scotties!!!

It's All About Me

AKA: Queen of The Universe- I am a divine work in progress. A small town girl from Baltimore with big ideas, attitudes, and notions. A spirit on her way to someplace- fascinated by every person she encounters. How can life not be a mystery? Care to explore it with me? Following along here and on Twitter @HollyDietor, let's get started!